Park Rangers involved in fatal shooting will not face federal charges

Two park rangers who fatally shot a 34-year-old man armed with a BB pistol last year on the Buffalo National River will not face federal charges, according to a news release from Duane Kees, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas.

Jonathan Bolger, his girlfriend and her three children were camping on Aug. 20 of last year at Spring Creek Campground when the incident occurred.

Two National Park Service Rangers were on patrol in the campground at approximately 1:30 a.m. when they encountered the Branson, Mo., man who was holding a BB pistol.

Bolger reportedly shined a flashlight at the pair of rangers who had parked their vehicle some distance away and approached Bolger's campsite on foot.

The rangers reportedly identified themselves and told Bolger to drop the pistol. Unlike many BB pistols, the one Bolger held did not have an orange tip indicating it was not a more lethal firearm.

Bolger reportedly did not drop the pistol despite being told multiple times to do so. When Bulger allegedly made a "sudden threatening move," one the rangers opened fire on Bolger.

Following the shooting, the rangers performed CPR on Bolger and called for medical help. Bolger did not survive the shooting.

"After a careful and thorough review of the evidence, federal prosecutors have found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the rangers used excessive force or violated federal laws under the circumstances," Kees wrote. "A conclusion that 'there is insufficient evidence' is not meant to suggest anything further about what evidence, if any, exists."